CROSS-CASE ANALYSIS

The selected cases across the Nordic region – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Iceland – cover a variety of building types and sizes, providing a comprehensive view of the diverse approaches being implemented to achieve reduced whole-life climate impacts. The report includes at least two case studies from each Nordic country, representing a mix of building types – such as residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings – as well as various sizes, from small buildings to larger-scale developments. This diversity highlights that carbon reduction strategies are applicable across different scales of development, not just in single-family homes, which are often easier to address in terms of carbon footprint.

Table 2 (below) provides a snapshot of the most important carbon mitigation measures implemented in the analysed cases. Main strategies include:

Bio-based and optimised materials: A common strategy across the cases is the use of bio-based materials or optimised conventional materials. These materials, such as wood and other natural resources, were selected not only for their lower embodied carbon, but also for their potential to reduce the need for energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel.

Material efficient design: In several cases, slimmer, optimised structures were used to reduce material consumption, demonstrating the potential of more efficient design to reduce carbon emissions. Many of the best-practice cases focused on reducing the use of steel for reinforcement and eliminating joints in concrete structures. By minimising the amount of steel, which has a high embodied carbon footprint, these buildings achieved significant reductions in emissions. This approach aligns with broader trends in the construction sector to reduce reliance on high-carbon materials in favour of lighter, more sustainable alternatives.

Photovoltaic systems: Another prevalent strategy was the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on building roofs to offset operational carbon emissions. In some cases, surplus exported energy was produced and modelled to compensate embodied impacts.

Stakeholder collaboration and early LCA integration: Across the majority of the cases, stakeholder collaboration played a crucial role in the success of carbon reduction strategies. Early engagement between architects, contractors, and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) consultants allowed for more informed decision-making and better identification of potential carbon reduction opportunities. Several cases also stressed the importance of introducing LCA targets early in the design phase to ensure that carbon reduction was integrated into the project from the outset.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): The use of EPDs to identify and select products with the lowest environmental impact was another common strategy. This allowed project teams to make informed decisions about materials and products, ensuring that only those with the least carbon impact were used in construction. The identification of specific low-impact products was integral to achieving the stringent targets set for these projects.

Optimised use of technical systems: In some cases, buildings were designed with fewer technical systems reducing energy consumption and associated emissions. By focusing on passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation and thermal mass, these buildings minimised their reliance on active systems, leading to both carbon and cost savings over time.

Table 2: Carbon mitigation measures in the case projects.